Little Miss Independent

I can’t believe it has been more that 6 months since I last posted a blog nad I do apologise. I have “written” so many in my head but getting them onto screen has taken a lot more time.

Ella is now a Buzzy Bee in nursery and is having a ball. In her other 2 rooms in nursery she was the boss and her infectious grin allowed her to do whatever she wanted. This room is different, he key worker and unit head don’t usually fall for the smile. The kids have to wait in turn to enter book corner, they put on their own coats for outdoor play etc – while on most occasion Ella’s coat goes on back the front or upside down she is still making attempts to do it herself.

After a lot of thought and consideration we decided to take Ella out of the special needs nursery and increase her time in the private nursery from 1.5 days to 2 days per week. We haven’t regretted the decision and at the same time are glad we tried the nursery so we aren’t thinking what if….

Babbling and signing has again improved. E is now a lot more animated when reading her books and quite often when in the car I know what she is reading without looking by her noises and actions.

As long as Ella is moving about she is happy. Donkey riding and swimming are two favourite activities. As we turn on the road for donkey riding E says “onkeys” accompanied by the sign. The same happens with swimming. Confidence has risen in both to the extent Ella wants to jump into the pool – well hold my hands as I pull her in.

Ella is being a great big sister – well most of the time. She is very protective towards Hannah not letting other kids come too close to her in nursery or parent and toddler groups. She does however get a little too close herself when she jumps on Hannah while crawling. E also has a great hand off on occasions accompanied by “NO” this is her favourite word. Me: Will we tidy toys up before we get a new one out” E: NO Me: Ella is tired time for afternoon nap E: NO.

Major achievment is toilet training. Ella has been nappy free since Easter (with the exception of nap and night time) We are delighted with this progress. E can’t say toilet but she does sign it. Her confidence has grown and now she leaves her activity walks towards the toilet while tapping her shoulder with two fingers. There is still the odd accident if really focused on something but what under 3 doesn’t still have the odd accident?

Ella is using a spoon and fork well the majority of the time – she pulls on your heart string especially when she is tired and asks for help this only happens when we are spoon feeding Hannah – it’s like why are you feeding her and not me.

We are working hard on dressing/undressing at the minute. Needless to say undressing is much more successful.

A recent OT appointment commented on the fact E couldn’t use scissors – yes there is a very good reason E can’t use scissors I dont’ trust her!!! Why can the professionals not believe/celebrate achievements? The OT produced a 4 piece inset board E did it without trouble. I said she can do 9 piece boards and she looked at me as if I had 3 heads. She then produced a 5 piece out of her box again E completed it with no trouble and I repeated she
can do 9 piece. I finally got a verbal response “That is most unusual and I don’t have one here to prove it”

E can now open her bedroom door – we hadn’t realised she could do this until one day I was enjoying a hot lunch with both kids in bed (first and only time it has happened) and H started crying, I went upstairs and here was E standing in her sleeping bag with her arm through the cot bars. There is now a stair gate on her door.

We have a great band of friends who are always there for us and keep us sane – they will listen when having a bad day, share in milestone achievements and most importantly see Ella for who she is. I know these special ladies read my blogs and I just want them to know I don’t always say it but I truly appreciate all their help and support.